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Long time lurker, first time poster. And when I say 'long time lurker' I mean like a couple years worth of lurking. I've seen a lot of TDH armors completed I've been here so long. If the internet was High School then TDH would be that hot guy in math class I've been secretly crushing on since Junior High.

Anywho...

I've been wanting to make a set of armor for a long time. I either didn't have the money, time, or the means to do it. The fire got burning once again though after a late night tablet sketch:

Now, we're just going to ignore any bad anatomy, stray lines, or the general scribbly-nature of this picture >_>. Like I said... late night... like 4:30 in the am. Particularly that poncho that has no definition of shape and clearly shows my total lack of regard for fabric folds .

Anyways, I thought the armor design was cool and felt like it was a shame that I would never really be able to do anything with it. Till I figured out that I should just make some armor.

As I said, I've been wanting to do this for a while now, I was just too worried about coming on these boards and looking like a doofus because I might have silly questions. Either way, I want to do this and I'm asking for your guys/gals input. Think of this as me finally getting the nerves to ask TDH out to the Prom.

Not sure what this character would be, either a sniper or a scout of some sort.

Can you tell I like the idea of bandages/wraps? >_>. I figured it would add some layers to the armor while still giving it a slim silhouette.

The poncho is an additional thing that I may or may not do.

As I'm looking at this I'm also realizing there's a lot of other things I'd like to add... And to do a ref for the back of the armor because there's some stuff going on back there that I haven't drawn.

Either way, you all get a rough idea of what I'm thinking. So... lay it on me, what do you think?

I think it looks great, both the design and the artwork! Your design looks very functional and streamlined, and the colors are unique without being overwhelming which I like. The wrappings are cool too, they remind me a lot of what Boba wore while in disguise during "Twin Engines of Destruction". Great job on the concept all around.

Now to the armor. I like the over-all design you have going on. I would probably not do the wraps around your mid section, that is an area where there is quite a bit of armor movement and I think it's really going to be a pain to keep the look your trying to accomplish by having some soft items that may be troublesome. I'd also move the one from your right shoulder down to the elbow like on the left arm. Those could actually be elbow padding/reinforcement.

Personally I think a nice sash around your mid section would be great for this set.

If your going to wear the poncho all the time in armor, then I wouldn't worry about making some sort of collar armor. However, if you giving yourself the option of not wearing the poncho, then I would at least have some kind of small segmented collar armor to pull the suit together.

Great looking artwork vod; very original and colorful. Almost looks like a camoflauge mandalorian using stealth in the jungles of Kashyyyk or Endor. But overall that is a great job. Can't wait to see what you put together.

I think it looks great, both the design and the artwork! Your design looks very functional and streamlined, and the colors are unique without being overwhelming which I like. The wrappings are cool too, they remind me a lot of what Boba wore while in disguise during "Twin Engines of Destruction". Great job on the concept all around.

It's weird that you mention twin engines of destruction because that's what confirmed that my idea wouldn't look totally goofy if I decided to do it! I wanted to give the character almost like a western or gritty sort of look (hence the wraps and poncho) to go with the earthy tones and I'm glad the idea of streamlining the suit came through

NovallTalon said:

Awesome artwork!

Now to the armor. I like the over-all design you have going on. I would probably not do the wraps around your mid section, that is an area where there is quite a bit of armor movement and I think it's really going to be a pain to keep the look your trying to accomplish by having some soft items that may be troublesome. I'd also move the one from your right shoulder down to the elbow like on the left arm. Those could actually be elbow padding/reinforcement.

Personally I think a nice sash around your mid section would be great for this set.

If your going to wear the poncho all the time in armor, then I wouldn't worry about making some sort of collar armor. However, if you giving yourself the option of not wearing the poncho, then I would at least have some kind of small segmented collar armor to pull the suit together.

I took what you said about the mid section and you make a good point. What I figured I could do though is glue the cloth down on another type of fabric and wear it sort of like the sash you recommended, just tight and close. Maybe have a piece of cloth hanging down. That way it keeps the wrap look and adds a little something more per your suggestion (which is a great idea!). Not sure if that idea comes through clearly in type, but I think once I show you what i mean you'll like it . And I will definately add a collar piece! For some reason my goofy-butt saved it for last because I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do with the paint and totally forgot about it .

Oh and I LOVE your armor and the work you've shown on the boards! I think you're one of the ones I've seen complete a set of armor or two via my stalkerish habits on TDH >.> :thumbup

Ordeyn said:

Very nice! I love the colors and the overall design is creative. I agree with Novall about using some of your wraps as elbow pads, it'd be cool.

I say go for it!

Glad you like it! And I moved the wrap down around the elbow in my reference sheet!

stormtrooperguy said:

that's awesome.

the sketch looks great too, but that quote just rocks.

I thought it summarized my facination with the group pretty well

Commander720 said:

Great looking artwork vod; very original and colorful. Almost looks like a camoflauge mandalorian using stealth in the jungles of Kashyyyk or Endor. But overall that is a great job. Can't wait to see what you put together.

Thanks! So glad you liked it! My train of thought was to keep it earthy and camo like color wise so I'm very pleased that that idea came through .

bh-7603 said:

very nice!

Thanks so much!

Fractal-Fett said:

I love it!!! That is a great idea, I never thought of wraps. *hmmmmmmm* (runs to sketch-up an armor design that could never come close to as awesome as yours.)

Glad i could inspire . I'm sure your picture will be lovely

Midnight Mothma said:

Bad anatomy? Looks good to me. If TDH were high school, I would ask your concept art to the prom.

Personally, I think the wraps would look MUCH more gritty...and thats what most mandos are; gritty mercenaries and warriors. Adding spandex almost makes it *to* feminine to the point where it may loose it's menacing look.

How about white spandex instead of the wraps...?.... how old are you? Your art work is awesome...no really it looks very professional :thumbup

I'm 21. Spandex is probably too tight and not the strongest material, don't want it to tear from use. Glad you like the art though!

NovallTalon said:

Personally, I think the wraps would look MUCH more gritty...and thats what most mandos are; gritty mercenaries and warriors. Adding spandex almost makes it *to* feminine to the point where it may loose it's menacing look.

You want to be feared and wanted, not just wanted. =P

Exactly! I wanted it to have a worn look and I thought the wraps would help achieve that effect.

I am thinking of using a sturdy brown cat suit for the bodysuit, but I'm going to bulk it up with the wraps and gear (you won't see much of it by the time I finish, at least that's the goal). All the little accessories and things I've discovered since first making that picture will give the costume more weight while not looking 'puffy'.

Right now I'm just working on figuring out how to go about making the helmet. For me that's going to be the toughest (or most expensive) part of my build. It's sort of like 'if I can get this part then I can certainly do the rest'. The body suit is approximately 40$ and depending on how well the oval trashcan molds I've already got a good chunk of the suit figured out. Biggest concerns being the helmet and the chest plates. Being a girl makes getting the chest pieces to fit well tough. I might have to do a body glove to hug 'certain anatomy' in a bit so that when I do my plates it they don't curve out at a ridiculous degree. I'm not huge chested, but I'm to a degree where I'm concerned about the fit of the plates. I just worry about the fit of the chest pieces because if not formed correctly or handled well they can look silly.

Bewbs + leather vest + armor plates = big bumps

Hopefully I can remedy that through clever craftsmanship.

As of now I'm focusing on my helmet. I'm not looking to spend more than 80 on any individual part so if anyone has any suggestions on the lid construction or purchase let me know .

I think my big concern with the cardboard build (let it be known I was BLOWN AWAY by antman's build) is that I live in Seattle... Rain is... uh... kind of a big thing here... How would it hold up with use and weather?

Oh! While I'm on the subject of location. Any Mando's in the Seattle area?

Hey don't worry about bandages because I am planning on using it with my armor. The only difference there is going to be is my mando armor jump-suit is going to be sleeveless. Counting on were I live I had thought it over a few times of if I really wanted to sweat like a pig or if I wanted to be cool when moving about in the armor. And seeing that I am use to the heat that Arizona gives off and the fact that my family does a lot of ridding of ATVs in the heat I moved more into using a sleeveless version of armor. With that I decided to put in bandages/wrappings possibly to show that my mando character recieved an injury probally from a mission of some kind. But either way it is working well.

Now in for the bucket; many have sudjested this to me and I am now lending my support in for you vod. When it comes to a bucket try the rubies jango-style helmet. There can be some on ebay and if you search for jango fett helmets on google you will be more then likely to find a mando helmet for under your price that you are willing to spend. I've searched as well for a good style jango helmet that will work and am still searching.

For me its getting the stuff down then up-gradding later on when I get more money in my pocket. But truly I am excited to see what you come up for with your armor. Good luck and keep up the good work. Hey even check by mine to see how well I am doing. I only got a few peaces together but they are coming along.

I think my big concern with the cardboard build (let it be known I was BLOWN AWAY by antman's build) is that I live in Seattle... Rain is... uh... kind of a big thing here... How would it hold up with use and weather?

Oh! While I'm on the subject of location. Any Mando's in the Seattle area?

WOW amazing artwork! I like the colors, and yes, it does remind one of a "western" type of character. Add a Bane hat, and you'll be all set. (j/k but it would fit right in!)

For female armor, Mercs has a whole section for us. Take a look around and see what other ladies are doing to solve the chest armor predicament I'm probably going to do what a couple others have done and add darts to the armor plates, pull together, and make a kind of angular curve--not so much the bubbles as I don't want too much attention on *them*. I like the angled look, and I'm carrying it out to my knees, shins, and shoulders (need to re-do those). I'm Mir'ika Tarvos over there, Darth Taiter almost everywhere else.

Someone mentioned using the Jango Rubies helmet. I did that--used the two-piece to start with, and found it for around $40 on eBay. Not too expensive, and not too bad to work with as it has a nice shape. Now is a better time to look for it as when it gets closer to Halloween, I imagine the prices might go up or be harder to win a bid on. My thread here at TDH, "Mir'ika Tarvos", I might have some of my helmet pics. I just added a couple new pics of my knees. Novall made some great suggestions

Good luck, and no need to be shy! That's what these forums are here for--to help out
(and at least your mom didn't have to set you up on a prom date like mine did... lol)

I hope you don't mind another response--this topic's seen a lot of action in 24 hours.

First, I've always thought it was funny, how some people talk. Say you're talking to someone about martial arts. If they talk about how great they are, they probably fall over doing a side kick. If they blow off how hard they've trained, or for how long, or make fun of their own technique, they normally can really kick your teeth down your throat. Several people have said it--you're humble comments support my point, I think. Most people don't know enough to say that the poncho doesn't drape properly. What program do you use?

I agree with Novall on most topics, and I agree on the wrap points. Your design has everything low on the hips. Several others have used or considered using wraps at the forearms or shins. I've considered it for a design, but it just looks totally off with everything else I'm planning. At times like that, I normally ask myself what the wrap would be _for_? We're talking about soldiers of various kinds. Would a soldier use a gaiter instead of a leg wrap?

People who know a whole lot more about materials and armor have already said a lot about the helmets and such. Here's a perspective on the chest plates. My wife's rig, still unfinished, will have a very subtle molding on the pectoral plates. She's fairly busty, and tries to hide it in most stuff she wears. Unfortunately, most "femmandos" seem to fall into the sexy look or the manly look, and I'm not picking on either. There are, however, LOTS of really well done mandos that are obviously feminine without looking ... you know. Hydra's springs to mind, and Shado's. My wife's flak vest will be loose enough that the plates won't fit snuggly against her. Let your vest determine how to shape the pec plates.

Have you considered a duct tape dummy? You can heat the plates and check the form on the dummy.

yay, girls!
your design looks superb. I'm cheating and doing a chick Boba with an open midsection, so I'll just have a few smaller, chest panels on a cropped jacket and won't have to worry about curving things too much. What I have seen in threads around here for us gals is that plastic, half-mannequin forms (you know, the mannequin 'hangers') are really handy to mold your armour from, and cheap too!